An international team of scientists from state and private research centers has achieved a major breakthrough in the field of high-energy physics by developing a compact prototype of a particle accelerator using standard industrial components. This groundbreaking approach has the potential to significantly reduce the size, cost, and complexity of such systems, opening up new possibilities for their commercial application.
Unlike massive particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider, the new prototype showcases the feasibility of creating compact and cost-effective devices for generating accelerated electron beams. These accelerated beams have a wide range of industrial applications, from medicine to high-tech industries.
The key innovations in the prototype include the use of superconducting materials with improved thermal systems for the accelerator chamber and the incorporation of a cryogenic cooler instead of traditional liquid helium systems. These advancements have enabled the achievement of high operational performance while reducing production costs.
During testing, the prototype demonstrated the capability to generate peak magnetic fields of 50 million, a record figure for accelerators of its kind. This confirms its ability to accelerate electrons to energies of around 1 million electron-volts, making it suitable for commercial use.
The potential applications of such compact accelerators are vast, ranging from producing isotopes for nuclear medicine to addressing environmental challenges. For instance, accelerated electrons can be utilized to treat water contaminated with organic pollutants, pathogens, and harmful chemicals by breaking down their molecules.
Following successful tests, the team is now focused on enhancing the technology, improving the penetrative power of electron beams, and developing modular structures to enhance efficiency. The development of accessible compact accelerators holds the promise of revolutionizing various industries, extending their use beyond large scientific facilities, and ushering in a new era of commercialization of advanced physical technologies.
A study detailing the system has been published in the journal Physical Review Accelerators and Beams.